Page 37 of The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge
The microwave pinged so she laid the letter down. As she transferred the steaming dish to a tray, she considered what to do. Was the letter her business? Should she raise the matter with Nancy? Yes and yes, she decided. Nancy was elderly and injured and would be on her own until Aaron returned. And although she’d found it on top of other post, the sender may have delivered it to the house in person. She shivered.
After she’d settled Nancy with the tray on the sofa, she brought out the letter. ‘Nancy, I’m sorry if you think I’m nosy, but when did this arrive?’
Nancy took the missive and glanced at it. She made an impatient noise and tossed it onto the sofa beside her. ‘I found it on the mat this morning,’ she said in a clipped voice, drawing the tray more securely onto her lap. ‘It’s nonsense, of course. Like the others.’
‘The others?’ Stef sat down opposite and regarded Nancy intently. ‘What others?’
Slowly Nancy began to eat. She swallowed her first mouthful. ‘It’s nothing to worry about,’ she said. ‘There were several last year and Aaron took them to the police. They couldn’t find out who’d sent them, but perhaps whoever it was got frightened off, because the letters stopped coming.’
‘Nancy, this person wants you to leave your home. They’re threatening you.’ The threat was unspecified.‘Or you will regret it if you stay’, the letter said in slanted type.
Nancy shrugged and continued eating.
‘Do you have any idea who might be responsible?’
‘No, but the police didn’t think it was my landlord. I don’t know why they discounted him because I know he would like it if I left. I’ve a long lease, made with his predecessor, and this new man inherited the freehold. He lives a long way away so maybe the police believe it’s unlikely to be him, since the letters have all been delivered by hand.’
‘What are you going to do?’
‘I’ll show the letter to Aaron. Please don’t worry about it, Stef.’
‘As I said, I didn’t mean to be nosy. I know we’ve only recently met but, well, I care, I suppose.’ It occurred to her that this was true. She was becoming quite fond of Nancy.
‘That’s very sweet of you.’ Nancy smiled and took a sip of water from the glass on the tray. ‘But I don’t like to bother people. I am used to looking after myself.’ Her voice had a touch of steel.
‘I didn’t mean to imply otherwise.’
‘And I do have Aaron. I had thought the matter had gone away, though. I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all.’ It was as if she was talking to herself. ‘It takes me back to that time… No, there wouldn’t be any connection…’
‘To…?’
Nancy roused herself, took a forkful of chicken, then hesitated. ‘I’m being a silly old woman. Don’t take any notice.’
Stef left the cottage reluctantly, but she didn’t want to outstay her welcome. Aaron would be back later, she told herself. Surely Nancy would be all right until then.
She was therefore surprised when, sitting in her mother’s kitchen that afternoon, renewing the batteries in her tape recorder, she received a phone call that proved her wrong. Nancy wasn’t all right. She didn’t recognize the number and answered tentatively. ‘Hello? Who is this, please?’
‘Stef, it’s Aaron… Harding.’
‘Aaron!’ she said, surprised, then concerned.
‘My grandmother gave me your number. Listen, I know this is bad of me but I’ve a favour to ask. Rather a big one, I’m afraid.’ He sighed.
‘Yes?’ she said cautiously, then, ‘Is Nancy okay? Are you with her?’
‘This is the thing. I can’t be there today. My daughter’s unwell and her mother’s busy with something she can’t cancel, so I’m in charge.’
‘Oh, that’s a shame.’ Was Stef imagining the bitter undertone when he said his ex was busy? She picked at a threadon her shirt and her thoughts flew to poor Nancy. ‘Can I do anything to help?’
‘Ah.’ There was relief in his voice. ‘I’d be so grateful.’
I wouldn’t be doing it for you,she thought.It would be for Nancy.
‘The carer’s coming in for a short while around seven, but Nancy sounded a bit distressed on the phone.’
‘Really?’ Stef straightened, alert.
‘I gather you know about these mad letters.’
